Visitors Resources

About Pomona, California

History

Pomona, California History:

The city is named for Pomona, the ancient Roman goddess of fruit. For Horticulturist Solomon Gates, “Pomona” was the winning entry in a contest to name the city in 1875, before anyone had ever planted a fruit tree. The city was first settled by Ricardo Vejar and Ygnacio Palomares in the 1830s, when California and much of the now-American Southwest were part of Mexico. The first Anglo-Americans arrived in prior to 1848 when the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in California becoming part of the United States. By the 1880s, the arrival of railroads and Coachella Valley water had made it the western anchor of the citrus-growing region. Pomona was officially incorporated on January 6, 1888.

In the 1920s Pomona was known as the “Queen of the Citrus Belt”, with one of the highest per-capita levels of income in the United States. In the 1940s it was used as a movie-previewing location for major motion picture studios to see how their films would play to modally middle class audiences around the country (for which Pomona was at that time viewed as an idealized example). Religious institutions are deeply embedded in the history of Pomona. There are now more than 120 churches, representing most religions in today’s society. The historical architecture of these churches provides glimpses of the European church design and architecture from other eras. In 2005, Pomona citizens elected Norma Torres, the first woman of Guatemalan heritage to be elected to a mayoral post outside of Guatemala.

Geography

Pomona is an urban area of Los Angeles County in the Pomona Valley. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.964 square miles (59.48 km2), over 99% of it land.

Pomona is approximately 27 miles (43 km) east of downtown Los Angeles, 25 miles (40 km) north of Santa Ana, 31 miles (50 km) west of Riverside, and 37 miles (60 km) west of San Bernardino.

Pomona is bordered by the cities of San Dimas on the northwest, La Verne and Claremont on the north, Montclair and Chino on the east, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar on the south, and Walnut, South San Jose Hills, and Industry on the southwest. The Los Angeles/San Bernardino county line forms most of the city’s southern and eastern boundaries.

Climate

Pomona has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, damp winters and a large amount of sunshine year-round. August is the warmest month with an average daytime high temperature of 92 °F (33 °C). Summers are characterized by sunny days and very little rainfall during the months of June through September. Fall brings cooler temperatures and occasional showers, as well as seasonal Santa Ana winds originating from the northeast. December is the coolest month with an average high temperature of 68 °F (20 °C). Winter also brings the majority of annual precipitation. Annual precipitation averages 17.32 inches (439.9 mm).

The 2010 United States Census reported that Pomona had a population of 149,058, a slight decline from the 2000 census population. The population density was 6,491.2 people per square mile (2,506.3/km²). The racial makeup of Pomona was 71,564 (48.0%) White (12.5% Non-Hispanic White),[6] 10,924 (7.3%) African American, 1,763 (1.2%) Native American, 12,688 (8.5%) Asian, 282 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 45,171 (30.3%) from other races, and 6,666 (4.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 105,135 persons (70.5%).

Economy

According to the City’s 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city and number of employees are Pomona Unified School District (3,424), Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (3,230), California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (2,316), Lanterman Developmental Center (1,283), City of Pomona (810), Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center (688), Verizon (596), County of Los Angeles Department of Social Services (383), First Transit (320) and Cal Spas (315).

Arts and Culture

The city is the site of the Fairplex, which hosts the L.A. County Fair and the NHRA Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. The city also hosts the Pomona Swap Meet and the Classic Car Show. The Classic Car Show is considered by many to be a Southern California classic. It is one of seven major events hosted at the Fairplex each year.

Pomona was incorporated on January 6, 1888 and adopted a charter in 1911, making it a charter city.
The city is governed by a seven-member city council. Regular municipal elections occur in even-numbered years. Council members serve four-year terms, and the mayor is the presiding council member, elected at-large. The other six members are elected by districts. Every eight months, the council appoints a new vice mayor from among its members.
Mayor: Elliott Rothman
City Council members:
• John Nolte
• Adriana Robledo
• Cristina Carrizosa
• Paula Lantz
• Ginna Escobar
• Debra Martin
City manager: Linda Lowry

State and federal representation

In the California State Legislature, Pomona is in the 20th Senate District, represented by Democrat Connie Leyva, and in the 52nd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Freddie Rodriguez.
In the United States House of Representatives, Pomona is in California’s 35th congressional district, represented by Democrat Norma Torres.

Transportation

Pomona is connected to downtown Los Angeles, and to downtown Riverside via Metrolink. In addition, with the Gold Line Foothill Extension, Pomona will be connected to Los Angeles and eastern Los Angeles County via light rail, when the Gold Line extension is completed in early 2018.

“I have enjoyed working with the Pomona Chamber and its members, especially Erica Frausto. She is helpful and a pleasure to be around. Here at Cal Poly Pomona, College of Ag, we are looking forward to a fruitful partnership with Pomona and its business community.” Mary Romo, Cal Poly Pomona

“The Pomona Chamber is a great way for business owners to connect and discuss ways we can better our businesses and the city we do business in.” Mark Drury, owner of O’Donovan’s Pub & Restaurant

“Being a member and an Ambassador to the Pomona Chamber has been a rewarding experience. Magnus joined the chamber at the end of 2015 and we are thrilled to be a part of a quality organization connecting with other businesses.” Valerie A. Bangma, MAGNUS

"I enjoy being a chamber board member because it allows me the opportunity to appreciate the great things Pomona has to offer while also being able to contribute to its success." Jill Dolan, MPA | Director of Public Affairs Mt. San Antonio College

“The Pomona Chamber of Commerce has shown great support and promotion of Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare and the numerous programs we offer to the patients we serve in our surrounding communities. We consider membership and the personal relationships with Pomona Chamber staff of great value to our non-profit organization!” Lisa McKayCasa Colina Foundation, Community Development Liaison

“The Pomona Chamber of Commerce has been a great experience for me as a business owner. I go to the chamber when looking for assistance for services in the community. I have enjoyed the opportunity to network with other businesses with the variety of events the chamber puts on. The chamber has many opportunities to get involved and make a difference. That is why I am proud to be a Board Member and recommend other to get involved.” Gloria Mitchell Bail Bonds

"At La Nueva Voz, we have found over the past six years that the Chamber is a vital part of the Pomona business community. If a business in Pomona is not a member of the Chamber, it should be. And if it is involved but is not regularly active in the Chamber, it is missing out on meaningful business opportunities. We believe the Chamber is a vital part of operating a successful business in Pomona." La Nueva Voz -- Renee and Jeff